The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 15, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Life on the wrong side of the tracks when the tracks are in Claypitts the "Pearl of the Prairie" isn't much to brag about, and Carol, with her ready self-deprecating wit would be the first to admit it. But when older, wilder sister Ellen falls for a pot dealer (disguised as anti-draft organizer) and uses her resulting pregnancy as a not unwelcome excuse to get away to Chicago, Carol is determined to go up there and convince her that at least one member of the family still cares enough to want her back. Don't look and it won't hurt -- Carol's advice to Ellen who's wondering how she can bear to give her baby up for adoption -- is neither true nor very comforting, but Claypitt's teenage characters bend themselves to cheerfully hard-boiled sarcasm -- particularly tough Mitsy Decker ("Look, I've been around") and the precociously poised minister's daughter Shirley Gage. It won't hurt if you read it for the humor, but don't look for any hidden profundity.

Be the first to discover new talent!
Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our Pro Connect email alert.
Sign up here to receive your FREE alerts.